How to Clean Blue Light Glasses Lenses: Step-by-Step
If you own blue light glasses, you’ve probably noticed the lenses picking up smudges, fingerprints, and tiny dust particles rather quickly.
And if you reach for the corner of your shirt to give the lenses a quick wipe, you’re not alone. The problem? It slowly destroys the delicate coating on your glasses.
Note that blue light glasses are different from regular glasses. They may have several coatings designed to protect your eyes from digital screen light and glare.
Cleaning these lenses the right way isn’t just about keeping them spotless; it extends their life.
Let’s break down exactly how to clean your blue light glasses lenses, what to avoid, and how to keep them in top condition.
Why Proper Cleaning of Blue Light Glasses Matters
Protecting the Anti-Reflective Coating
Here’s how a typical pair of blue light glasses works: There’s a thin, invisible layer over the lens surface that blocks (Or filters) harmful blue wavelengths coming from sources like:
- Laptops
- Phones
- TVs
And if you happen to scratch or damage the surface, you reduce the overall effectiveness of these lenses. That’s why you can’t treat these lenses like ordinary glasses, even corrective lenses. Corrective lenses use specialized glass to help your eyes focus light correctly. Blocking blue light is a completely different story.
Maintaining Clear Vision
Blue light filters don’t alter your vision; smudges on your lenses can. Dirt and oil on your lenses can scatter light, forcing your eyes to work harder. Clean lenses mean clear, crisp vision.
Extending Lens Lifespan
Nobody wants to invest in a pair of glasses every few weeks; high-quality, effective blue light glasses aren’t cheap.
Proper lens cleaning prevents scratches and coating damage, helping your pair last longer.
Related Post: How Much Are Blue Light Glasses?
What You Should Never Use to Clean Blue Light Glasses
An everyday cleaning solution may seem like a quick fix, but it can do more harm than good when it comes to cleaning blue light glasses. Here’s what to avoid:
Harsh Household Cleaners
You may be tempted to grab a vinegar spray; after all, it’s readily available in most homes. However, know that these products often contain chemicals that can strip or cloud lens coatings. By using them repeatedly, you may end up damaging the blue light filter.
Tissues, Paper Towels, and Shirts
The fibers in tissues and paper towels can create micro-scratches on your lenses. Even a soft cotton shirt isn’t the right fit for this purpose.
Best Way to Clean Blue Light Glasses (Step-by-Step)
Now that you know “What not to do” when cleaning blue light glasses lenses, let’s discuss the safest and most effective ways to do it. Here’s a step-by-step routine:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before you touch your lenses. Oils, lotions, or crumbs on your fingers can directly transfer to the lens surface.
Step 2: Rinse Lenses Under Lukewarm Water
Hold your glasses, specifically lenses, under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. This rinses away dust and grit.
Step 3: Use a Drop of Mild Dish Soap
Next, add a drop of lotion-free dish soap to each lens. Rub gently with your fingers in small circles, covering both sides of the lenses and the frame. This clears any oils on the surface without harming the coating.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry with a Microfiber Cloth
Finally, rinse with lukewarm water again to remove soap. Pat and wipe dry using a clean microfiber cloth.
These are specially made to trap dust and oils without scratching. Keep one handy in your bag or at your desk.
On-the-Go Cleaning Tips
You can’t always access soap and a sink. Here’s how you can clean blue light glasses lenses quickly:
Pouches
This is where buying the right pair of blue light glasses can help. Some glasses come with a case and cleaning wipes. Keep your glasses inside when not in use and use wipes for light cleaning before and after putting them on.
Mini Spray Bottles with Cleaning Solution
You can also buy a small refillable spray bottle and fill it with lens cleaner for on-the-go use. A quick spritz and wipe with microfiber does the job when you’re on the move.
How Often Should You Clean Your Blue Light Glasses?
The ideal cleaning routine depends on how often you wear your glasses and your environment.
It depends on how often you wear them and your environment.
- Daily routine: Wipe with a microfiber cloth or wipe once a day to remove fingerprints
- Weekly deep clean: Do the soap-and-water method at least once a week to remove oil buildup
If you work long hours on a computer, you may need to clean your lenses before and after every use.
Extra Care Tips to Keep Lenses in Top Shape
Cleaning isn’t the only factor in lens care; other small factors can make a huge difference.
Store in a Hard Case
Many blue light glasses come with a hard case; to protect the glasses from accidental drops and scratches, use this case when you’re not wearing your glasses.
Don’t Leave in Heat or Direct Sunlight
Long exposures to high temperatures can damage the lens coating. For instance, don’t leave your glasses on your car’s dashboard in broad daylight.
Replace Cloths Regularly
Don’t use a dirty microfiber cloth; it can scratch the surface. Wash your glasses every week or replace them when they’re weary.
FAQs About Cleaning Blue Light Glasses
Can I Use Alcohol Wipes On Blue Light Glasses?
Most of these wipes are safe. However, avoid using industrial-strength or high-concentration alcohol solutions.
What’s The Safest DIY Cleaning Solution?
Create a solution with distilled water and a small drop of dish soap; store in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth.
Do Blue Light Glasses Need Professional Cleaning?
Not normally, but if your lenses are extremely dirty or scratched, an optician can deep-clean or polish them. Regular at-home cleaning works in most cases.
Conclusion
Regular use of blue light glasses has several benefits, including:
- A potential reduction in digital eye strain
- Sleep regulation or circadian rhythm normalization
But in order to offer these benefits, your blue light glasses lenses need to be clean and scratch-free. Cleaning is easy; just avoid shortcuts like tissues and stick to safe methods like lukewarm water, mild soap, and microfiber cloths.
